Zero CO_2, the world's first hydrogen powered boat


Key project objectives

-demonstrate the efficiency of the combined energy types that power the RM 1200, an environmentally-friendly craft that uses clean energies in place of petrol. These include a hydrogen fuel cell that powers an auxiliary electric motor and renewable energies (solar, wind, hydro power sources) for onboard power requirements.

-analyse data obtained from the air using the boats integrated onboard laboratory in order to evaluate pollution from the sea and coastline, especially pollution originating from fossil fuels.

-raise awareness of climatic change, pollution and the importance of alternative energies to the Mediterranean population and professional/amateur sailors.

-promote a culture based on respecting maritime environments through the adoption of self-sustainable energies in port and coastal areas in place of traditional fossil fuels. The project will also aim at increasing the uptake of carbon-neutral renewable energies that do not contribute to the greenhouse effect.

Key dates

March to December 2009 : construction of the boat, integration of the hydrogen fuel cell and onboard laboratory, planning for the ship's course around the Mediterranean, and preparation of all logistics for the Zero CO2 expedition.

5th to 13th December 2009 : presentation of the Zero CO2 yacht, equipped with a hydrogen fuel cell and fully integrated onboard laboratory for use in environmental experiments at the Paris Boat Show

January to May 2010 : launch and first tests of the yacht on the "Lac du Bourget" in Savoie, Rhones Alpes, France with the support of the Savoie Local Government and INES (National Institutes for Solar Energy).

June to December 2010 : first tests of the yacht on the Mediterranean followed by the start of the Zero CO₂ trip.  This period will see the start of the scientific phase of the trip: environmental data on anthropic pollution will be captured and analysed onbard the yacht. Studies will commence regarding the feasibility for the production of "green hydrogen" through the installation of solar panels and wind turbines in suitable port-side locations. Public relations activity (presentations) on the project will take place demonstrating the importance of the project in relation to climate change in selected Mediterranean ports.


Financing

Financing of the project has been assured by a "credit d'impot recherché"(a means of reducing tax expenditature by working on research projects designated as having significant commercial and socio-economic value) The project team is still actively looking for sponsors to support the scientific element of the expedition.


Communication

Communication will play a key role in reaching the project's objectives via a PR campaign that will aim to increase awareness of the environmental issues raised by the project. We also intend to work closely with school children in the various ports where the boat docks, with a view to educating them on the environmental themes that lie at the heart of this project.

Please contact us if you are interested in sponsoring this important environmental project

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